Gemotions

The small, discreet notification, a little pop-up at the corner of her phone, sent a jolt of exhilaration through Emily. Ms. Chen, her music teacher, who she’d spent hours hoping would notice her, was suddenly following her. She blinked several times.

Emily felt a jumble of emotions: pride, fear, excitement. She scrambled to look through her page. She had posted a video of her singing, hoping for some attention. Now she was certain Ms. Chen had seen it.

The next day in class, she felt like she was floating. Every note she played on the piano seemed sharper, clearer. She imagined Ms. Chen listening to her every melody. She was utterly engrossed in her music.